Help needed for our rescue Spaniel

[Coelho21]

Hello,

My mum and I took on a field cocker spaniel named Max from the RSPCA in October after our previous field cocker spaniel passed away in April. We have spent a lot of time working with a local spaniel specialist trainer working on his walking, obedience and general obsessive behaviour with balls and hedges whilst out on walks.

We have completed our training in these areas and he is progressing well. However, recently Max has been becoming vicious and trying to bite my Mum when she is putting him into the kitchen at night to go to bed. Yet when we put him in the kitchen during the day to go out he goes in fine and waits on his bed with no fuss what so ever.
We have considered going back to the trainer as he is willing to come to the house and see his behaviour but we think that Max will behave differently when he is there so it might not achieve anything.
I was wondering if anybody had any practical advice we could try to stop this as the last thing we want is to have to give him back to the RSPCA but we cannot put up with him being vicious.

Please help!

[nick_j007]

Talk to your trainer...he should know the dog pretty well by now and either visit...or offer advice which should be well suited for him and not come to visit.

Hope you see what I mean.

Nick

[3wags]

Hi there,
There are many factors which could be leading Max to behave in such a way. What is your evening routine like? Is he exercised enough before bed time? The manner in which he is approached can make a difference, and also if he thinks your mum is taking him away from play time and making him go to bed when he doesn't want to. Whatever it is, he needs to be well-exercised and tired out, as well as know that you are the boss and end of play time means exactly that. Do continue to work with your behaviourist/trainer and have faith and patience that Max will learn. Good luck!